Determinants and consequences of sexual abuse against minors in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sexual violence against minors occurs in different contexts. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is a major public health problem. A systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature on sexual abuse against minors in sub-Saharan Africa was carried out, to determine the extent to which children are more likely to be sexually abused in this region, as well as the consequences to which they are exposed. A reviewing protocol for the selected studies, inspired by the recommendations of the PRISMA guideline, was used. Study quality was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A total of 64 full-text articles were included in the analysis. The results show that the rates of sexual violence against teenagers in sub-Saharan Africa are not insignificant, with the highest rates observed in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. These rates ranged from 5 to 38% in Nigeria. The perpetrators are usually people known to the children. However, many cases go unreported and untreated. Parents should therefore be made aware of the dangers of sexual abuse against their children, as well as the channels for reporting cases, not only to dissuade the abusers but also to give the victim the opportunity to undergo therapy.